Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, at his office in Agodi, Ibadan, presented the Staff of Office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade on Monday
It was learnt that the state government would present Owoade his appointment letter and staff of the office Monday.
“He (Prince Owoade) is in town. He will get a letter of appointment from the state government tomorrow (Monday) so that he can resume work as Alaafin,” said a government source
Makinde approved Owoade’s appointment in an announcement made in a Friday statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
Soon after, Oyo kingmakers, rejected Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, in a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the state Governor.
The king maker who declared the appointment of Owoade as null and void; illegal and unlawful, denied recommending Owoade to the state government at any time, saying Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was their choice they recommended on September 20, 2022.
The five kingmakers who are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, Warrant Chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, Warrant Chief standing in for Alapinní of Oyo, in the letter said “Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the kingmakers present, was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to Your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all.
“The kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop Your Excellency from truncating the process, which culminated in the present appeal at the Court of Appeal,” they said.
Despite the stand of the kingmakers, Makinde went ahead and presented staff of office to Owoade on Monday, where he declared that the new Alaafin was a custodian of a rich heritage, adding that the monarch would lead with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication to unity in the Oyo Kingdom.
“We are assured that Oba Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong commitment to fostering unity,” Makinde said.
Owoade declared that he would work for the development of the kingdom and the well-being of its people.
“I will devote myself to the advancement and prosperity of the Oyo Kingdom while ensuring that the traditions and values that have sustained us for generations remain steadfast,” he declared.
Owoade’s appointment as the 46th Alaafin-elect drew an esteemed audience of dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and jubilant Oyo indigenes.
The historic ceremony opened with prayers by Islamic, Christian, and traditional clerics, concluding with vibrant music and cultural performances—symbolising a momentous chapter in Oyo’s rich history.
Makinde described the Alaafin-elect as a monarch destined to preserve and elevate the cultural and historical legacy of the Oyo Kingdom.
Owoade was elected Alaafin after the death pf Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi lll in April 2022.
Adeyemi reigned for 50 years.
